The best gravel rides around Lincoln

Komoot features 8 gravel bike routes around Lincoln. The city itself boasts an extensive network of over 150 miles of interconnected trails, including crushed limestone paths that extend throughout the city and into the surrounding countryside, offering a wide variety of options beyond the curated komoot tours.

Yes, Lincoln offers several easy gravel bike routes perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the Wilderness Park – Wilderness Park Horse Trail loop from Martin Prairie is an easy 15.2-mile (24.5 km) trail that takes you through floodplain forests and wetlands, offering a gentle introduction to gravel biking.

The gravel bike trails around Lincoln vary in length. Our curated routes range from approximately 15 miles (24.5 km) to over 32 miles (52.3 km). For example, the Wilderness Park – Wilderness Park Horse Trail loop from Martin Prairie is 15.2 miles, while the Nebraska State Capitol – Wilderness Trail Network loop from Lincoln is 32.5 miles.

Lincoln's gravel bike trails offer diverse landscapes, including floodplain forests, tallgrass prairies, and open countryside. You'll encounter dense woods, winding creeks, and wetland environments, often within an urban setting. Many routes utilize former railway lines, providing scenic journeys through varied terrain.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Lincoln are designed as loops. For example, the Rock Island Trail – Lincoln Children's Zoo loop from Bethany and the MoPac Trail West – MoPac East Trailhead loop from Wyuka Cemetery are both excellent circular options, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

Several routes pass by notable attractions. The Rock Island Trail – Lincoln Children's Zoo loop from Bethany, for instance, goes near the Lincoln Children's Zoo. Other highlights in the area include the Rock Island Trail itself, the Wilderness Park Suspension Bridge, and Holmes Lake Park.

The komoot community frequently praises Lincoln's extensive and well-maintained trail network, which offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty. Riders often highlight the peaceful experience of cycling through floodplain forests and tallgrass prairies, as well as the convenience of interconnected paths like the MoPac and Rock Island Trails.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Lincoln, with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, but early mornings or late afternoons are still enjoyable. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice on trails.

While Lincoln's trails are generally characterized by gentle rolling hills, offering mostly easy to moderate experiences, the region is home to events like Gravel Worlds. This annual event features routes ranging from 30 to 300 miles with significant climbing challenges, showcasing that more demanding gravel riding can be found in the broader southeastern Nebraska area for those seeking advanced experiences.

Lincoln has numerous accessible trailheads and parking areas throughout its extensive trail system. The Jayne Snyder Trails Center in Union Plaza serves as a central hub where major trail routes converge, making it a convenient starting point. Many parks and trail access points also offer dedicated parking.

Absolutely. Both the MoPac Trail and the Rock Island Trail are excellent choices for gravel biking in Lincoln. These former railway lines have been converted into scenic crushed limestone paths, offering smooth, long-distance rides through varied landscapes. The Lincoln Children's Zoo – Rock Island Trail loop from Yankee Hill Precinct is a great option to experience a section of the Rock Island Trail.